History of Christmas Carols Discover the Christmas custom, story, myth and legend associated with the Christmas Carols. This festive tradition and Christmas custom, with its familiar symbol and meaning, has evolved over time. But what is the history, meaning and origin of the Christmas Carols? This article provides facts and information about the history of the Christmas Carols as a familiar symbol, tradition and Christmas custom.
The Christmas Custom and History of Carols Christmas carols are based on Christian lyrics and relate, in the main, to the Nativity. Christmas carols were introduced in to church services by St Francis of Assisi in the 12th century. As for the word carols, "carol" is a derivative of the French word caroller, the interpretation of which means dancing around in a circle. Carol and carols, eventually came to mean not only to dance but included music and lyrics - hence Christmas Caroling.
The History of Christmas Carols The joyous themes for many traditional Christmas carols were banned in England by the staunch Protestant Oliver Cromwell in 1647 and many of the old Christmas carols were subsequently lost for all time. Christmas carols were only fully popularised again during the Victorian era when they again expressed joyful and merry themes in their lyrics as opposed to the normal, more sombre, Christian lyrics found in hymns. As religious observances in the United States and England were closely linked the popularity of Christmas carols grew in both countries in the 19th century. Many Christmas traditions are relatively recent such as Santa Claus and reindeer and modern songs about these characters bear no relation to Christmas carols.
The History of Christmas Carols The lyrics of the most famous Christmas Carols an be found in our Classic Christmas Carols. Our selection includes classic carols such as Silent Night, Hark the Herald Angels sing, Good King Wenceslas, Joy to the World, O Holy Night, The First Noel, Away in a Manger, Deck the Halls, Ding Dong Merrily on High, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, The First Noel, The Holly and the Ivy, Once in Royal David's City and Songs of Praise the Angels sang.
The History of American Christmas Carols Although many Christmas carols originated in Europe some major traditional carols were written and composed in the U.S. These include the following carols:
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Edmund H. Sears and Richard Willis
We Three Kings of Orient Are by John H. Hopkins
O Little Town of Bethlehem by Phillips Brooks and Lewis H. Redner
Away in the Manger
Go Tell it on the Mountain
Christmas Carols Christmas is celebrated worldwide, throughout the Christian population of approximately 2275 million people, but is also celebrated by many non-Christians as a secular, cultural festival. A Christmas custom or tradition is symbolized by a familiar symbol or icon, such as the Christmas Carols, have come to represent the spirit and meaning of this special time of the year.
Christmas Carols
Christmas Carols
Christmas Carols
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Christmas Carols
Christmas Carols
"Merry Christmas, have a happy and prosperous New Year!"
